Frequently Asked Questions about Raster Image Well Logs

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Raster Image Well Log ?
  2. How much space do they require ?
  3. What is the advantage over microfiche ?
  4. Why do you scan at 200 DPI ?
  5. What areas are available for orders ?
  6. How long will it take to prepare an order ?
  7. Can I keep my area of interest up to date ?
  8. What kind of computer do I need ?
  9. What kind of printer can I use ?
  10. How are the log images shipped ?

What is a Raster Image Well Log ... ?

MJ Systems is scanning well logs from their original microfilm masters. This produces a computerized image of the well log similar to a photograph. This image can then be displayed, annotated and printed using standard desktop computers using our LogSleuth software. The images may also be exported for use in any other software capable of supporting raster images for building cross sections, digitizing curves or integration with other well data.

Because the images are scanned from microfiche, there are slight breaks in the scanned images where the original microfilm was cut to fit into the microfiche jackets. Our LogSleuth software provides easy to use tools to remove these breaks if they occur in a significant portion of the log.

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How much space do they require... ?

The log images are typically stored on CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or hard disks. Storage requirements vary considerably with the depth of a well and the number of logs run. Based on our scanning of our North American log library, we have concluded an 'average' well will require approximately 5 megabytes of storage. A single CD-ROM will hold between 120 and 150 wells, a single DVD-ROM disk will hold close to 800 wells and hard disks are available in larger sizes every few months.

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What is the advantage over microfiche... ?

There are numerous reasons to choose raster image logs over microfiche.

Functionality - You can view, size, annotate, correlate, print, take precise readings from logs at your desktop

Efficiency - You can perform all of the functions in a fraction of the time required with microfiche or paper logs. Searching through geologists offices for missing or misfiled fiche is a thing of the past. Multiple geologists can access the same log image simultaneously across a computer network.

Preservation - Our software will maintain all your staffs work for easy recall and reuse at a future date.

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Why do you scan at 200 DPI ... ?

MJ Systems has been scanning well logs from film since 1983 and has exhaustively tested requirements and controls for the delivery of raster image well logs. We have also developed very specific procedures and quality control functions with respect to all images. As a result of our testing over the years we have concluded that scanning at 200 dots per inch will produce excellent quality images that are optimal for storage retrieval display and printing.

It is worth noting that
1. Current computers can only display at resolutions 96 or 120 DPI
2. There is almost no discernible difference between images scanned at 200 and 400 DPI when displayed on a computer monitor. There is marginal benefit in printing log images from 400 DPI scans if the logs scanned were of poor quality.
3. 200 DPI images require one quarter of the storage space required for 400 DPI images. The storage requirements for 400 DPI images on hard drives, CD's or DVD's significantly increase hardware costs.
4. 400 DPI images take 4 times longer to load on a computer and 4 times longer to transmit over a network.

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What areas are available for orders... ?

MJ Systems has converted all of Western Canada and very large areas in most States in the USA. We are scanning 24 hours a day, 5 days per week. Our intent is to convert areas on a demand basis until the entire North American library is scanned. We can provide interested users with prices and delivery dates for any size area anywhere in North America. See our coverage map.

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How long will it take to prepare an order... ?

Small orders can usually be delivered within a day. Larger orders will depend upon the number of wells in your area of interest. If your area is not already scanned, we can prepare a priority area of wells to be delivered immediately and then ship the balance of an order as it is completed. MJ Systems is currently scanning hundreds of wells per day.

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Can I keep my area of interest up to date... ?

As with microfiche service, MJ Systems offers a subscription service enabling clients to receive new well images on a regularly scheduled basis for anywhere in our coverage area.

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What kind of computer do I need... ?

The LogSleuth software used to manage and display the images requires a 32 bit operating system, such as Windows XP/ME or Windows 2000. If your computer runs one of these operating systems, LogSleuth will work. However, the display of log images is a processor and memory intensive task. The faster your computer and the more memory you have will make a substantial difference in the speed with which images are displayed.

We recommend a Pentium processor and at least 32 megabytes of memory. Also, either a CD or DVD ROM drive is required to read the images we send you.

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What kind of printer can I use... ?

LogSleuth supports all printers that have Windows printer drivers. Your existing plotters, ink jet, laser and dot matrix printers can all be used for printing logs. If you require continuous printing capability we can suggest some ink jet and thermal printers you may want to try.

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How are the log images shipped... ?

Logs are currently being delivered on either CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disks, preloaded disk units or can be delivered via FTP. 

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